159. The average boy (if there is such a thing as the average boy) does not wan to sit down and passively receive theoretical instruction. He wants to be up and actually doing things in practice.

160. To be good is of little interest to the child, to do good is another matter.

161. The boy is always ready to do rather than to digest.

162. A boy learns by practice, not by precept. To love is to him merely a state of mind, whereas its expression, namely, to render service, is something he can do – a very different matter. So for the young we have to translate the spirit of religion into practical acts. It is for this reason that in the Scout Law and Promise we give in place of the abstract idea “Love God” the positive equivalent, “Do your duty to God”. Also for the abstract “Love your neighbour”, the positive equivalent, “Help other people at all times”.

163. Our principle of training is to give the boys and girls something to do and not merely something to think of in their spare time.